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Jaden McDaniels led the Timberwolves to a Game 3 victory over the Nuggets with 20 points and 10 rebounds, taking a 2-1 series lead. He expressed that playing against Denver motivates him and his team, regardless of outside comments.
Mar 1, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Christian Braun (0) defends on Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) in the first quarter at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images ©Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Jaden McDaniels soared through the Nuggets defense for an emphatic jam. That was the statement to back up his explosive remarks from Game 2. The Timberwolvesâ reliable forward answered the pressure he put on himself with 20 points and 10 rebounds to take a 2-1 series lead. But even without the words, McDaniels would be just as charged up. All he needs to see is the Nuggets jersey in front of him.
âJust playing Denver really motivates us. Thatâs enough for real. Just playing against them, we donât really care what they say, just the number and the name across their chest make us play like this,â Jaden McDaniels said about his inspiring performance in Game 3.
Itâs the third time the teams have faced off in the postseason in the last four years. Each has won a series apiece, this being a decider of sorts. So, McDaniels isnât concerned about how the players feel about him talking loudly and making pointed comments. For him and the Timberwolves, this is a rivalry that, be it the regular season or the playoffs, will be intense from their side.
At least McDaniels continues to show it each time. He was doing it on both ends of the floor. âThey put their second group in, and I was still picking up full court,â McDaniels added. Just watch his highlights when guarding Jamal Murray. From the time the possession started, the Timberwolves forward was right in his grill. Clearly, these matchups are personal for the dynamic wing.
That energy has translated over to his teammates. The Timberwolves got some major contributions across the board. Ayo Dosunmu added 23 points and 9 assists, offsetting Anthony Edwardsâ short night due to foul trouble. Furthermore, Rudy Gobert proved a point by holding to shooting 7/26 from the field.
Jaden McDaniels scored 20 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in Game 3.
He feels motivated by playing against the Nuggets and is unfazed by their comments, stating that the rivalry intensifies their performance.
The Timberwolves lead the series 2-1 after their Game 3 victory.
The Timberwolves and Nuggets have faced each other in the postseason three times in the last four years.

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As a group, the Timberwolves were spectacular. They had a clear game plan: to be physical all night and attack the paint rather than prioritizing spacing. But it started with McDaniels, scoring 9 points in the first eight minutes and recording a +12 point differential in the first quarter.
âWe going to war with him,â said Dosunmu. âHe led the way. Did a great job guarding Murray the whole game, full court, but the main thing we want to let him know we got his back⊠Heâs telling us Iâm here and Iâm playing hard. And thatâs contagiousâ.
It followed down like a ripple effect. If Jaden McDaniels was doing all the scrappy work, Minnesota followed his lead. Head coach Chris Finch called it a âspecialâ performance, imperative to take a 2-1 lead in this series. But the team isnât privy to the Nuggetsâ potential either.
McDaniels expects them to come out stronger and with greater intent when they face off in game 4 again in a few nights. But the Timberwolves are prepared to endure and adapt as the game comes. This series has clearly defined the importance that Jaden McDaniels has to this team, which has made two consecutive Western Conference Finals. And they are as together now as they have been throughout the season.
The Timberwolves arenât to be taken lightly just because they placed sixth in the West. When the postseason comes around, this is a different team that thrives under intensity and chaos.